Quick Details
Private Tours
Includes 4 people
PRIVATE OXFORD PUNTING TOUR ALONG THE RIVER CHERWELL
As you set off south from the boathouse you will be chauffeured gently past Oxford’s famous Botanic Gardens, past Magdalen College School fields, and through Christ Church Meadows, where Lewis Carroll was teaching students in the mid-19-century when he wrote the famous Alice Through the Looking Glass and Alice in Wonderland. Then pass St Hilda’s College gardens and back to the Boathouse.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Please arrive 5 minutes early to check-in
- Dress appropriately for the weather
- Bring your own refreshments to enjoy onboard
PRIVATE OXFORD PUNTING TOUR ON THE RIVER CHERWELL –EXCLUSIVE & CHAUFFEURED
Key Highlights
- Private chauffeured punt exclusively for your group
- Scenic river views past Christ Church Meadows and college gardens.
- Operated by professional punters.
- Entertaining live commentary from expert chauffeurs.
- Bring your own refreshments or purchase drinks at the pontoon
- Ideal for birthdays, hen parties, and private celebrations
- Perfect for proposals, anniversaries, and romantic experiences
Private Punting Tour
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Includes: Private punting tour led by an experienced chauffeur
- Excludes: Entry into colleges or buildings
Bespoke & VIP Private Experiences
We specialise in fully tailored private river experiences, ideal for both leisure and special occasions.
These may include:
- Multi-language punting experiences (on request)
- Celebration bookings (birthdays, hen parties, group events)
- Proposal planning and romantic setups
- Corporate and VIP hospitality experiences
- Private extended or multi-activity Oxford itineraries
For premium bookings, we can arrange:
- Combined walking + punting experiences
- Restaurant reservations and private dining
- Full-day Oxford or multi-city itineraries
- Concierge-style planning and logistics
Create Your Own Bespoke Experience
📧 Contact us at [email protected] with your request, including:
- Group size
- Preferred dates and times
- Occasion (e.g. proposal, birthday, corporate event)
- Any specific requirements
Our team will create a tailored Oxford experience for you.
Full Description
Enjoy a relaxing and scenic private punting tour along the gentle waters of the River Cherwell. As you glide south from the boathouse, your chauffeur will guide the punt smoothly along the riverbank, offering uninterrupted views of some of Oxford’s most beautiful and historic landscapes.
Along the route, you will pass the Oxford Botanic Garden, the oldest botanic garden in the United Kingdom, with its iconic glasshouses and carefully maintained plant collections. Continuing downstream, the tour moves past the playing fields of Magdalen College School before entering the peaceful expanse of Christ Church Meadows.
This tranquil stretch of river is closely connected to Oxford’s literary history. Lewis Carroll spent time in this part of the city while teaching at Christ Church, during the period in which he wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. As the river bends, you will also pass the gardens of St Hilda’s College before returning gently toward the boathouse.
The journey lasts approximately 30 minutes and offers a calm, picturesque loop through some of Oxford’s most enchanting scenery.
Guests are welcome to bring their own refreshments, and additional drinks — ideal for romantic occasions or special celebrations.
Whether enjoyed as a standalone experience or combined with a private walking tour, this private punting experience offers a quintessential and memorable way to discover Oxford.
Itinerary
- Traditional chauffeured punt on the River Cherwell
- Christ Church Meadows
- Oxford Botanic Garden (views)
- Magdalen College School fields (views)
- St Hilda’s College gardens (views)
- Return to the Boathouse
Who This Tour Is For
- Couples and families
- Private groups and celebrations
- Birthday parties and hen groups
- Proposals and romantic occasions
- Corporate and VIP guests
- First-time visitors to Oxford
- Travellers seeking a premium, relaxing experience
Practical Information
Meeting Point:
Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, High St, Oxford OX1 4AU.
Duration:
30 minutes
Group Size:
Private tour (up to 4 guests per boat)
Languages Available:
English
Accessibility:
Wheelchairs remain at the pontoon; staff can assist with boarding
Why Choose Alumni Tours
- ✔ Private, exclusive experience for your group
- ✔ Professional, rigorously trained chauffeurs
- ✔ High-quality, safe, and well-organised tours
- ✔ Ideal for both sightseeing and special occasions
🎟️ Book your private punting tour today and experience Oxford from the water.
What’s Included
- Private chauffeured punting tour
- Professional chauffeur
- Live commentary throughout the journey
What’s Not Included
- Food and drinks (guests may bring their own)
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup or drop-off
Upgrades & Add-Ons
- Private Oxford walking tour (before or after punting)
- Cambridge + Oxford private day tours
- VIP concierge experiences
- Full-day bespoke Oxford itineraries
Check-In & Arrival Information
Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled start time at Magdalen Bridge Boathouse.
Upon arrival, provide your booking name and confirmation details to the staff. Your chauffeur will check you in and begin the tour promptly.
If you are running late, please contact us as soon as possible.
Additional Information
What to Bring:
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Comfortable shoes
- Drinks and refreshments (optional)
Special Requirements:
Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult
Health & Safety:
Please follow all safety instructions provided by your chauffeur during boarding and throughout the tour
Important Information
Weather Policy:
Tours operate in most weather conditions unless deemed unsafe
Late Arrival:
Late arrivals may miss their departure and may not be eligible for a refund
Route Variations:
Routes may vary depending on river conditions and traffic
Behaviour:
We reserve the right to remove guests who pose a safety risk
Liability:
Guests participate at their own risk
FAQ
What makes this punting tour different?
Our chauffeured punting experience is led by professional Oxford punters who combine skilled river navigation with engaging commentary about Oxford’s colleges, traditions, and riverside history along the River Cherwell.
Is this suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is ideal for proposals, birthdays, hen parties, and celebrations.
Can we bring drinks on board?
Yes, and additional refreshments may also be available for purchase.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, the punt is reserved exclusively for your group.
Large Groups & Special Requests
For large groups, celebrations, or bespoke experiences:
📞 +44 1223 787270
📧 [email protected]
Contact & Confirmation Notes
Communications:
Please provide an email address and phone number that you can access regularly, as we may need to communicate updates. While we are responsible for sending updates, it is the guest’s responsibility to check for and receive these communications.
Cancellations & Refunds:
For small groups, cancellations made 24 hours or more in advance are eligible for a full refund. Larger groups may require a longer cancellation notice period. Please contact management to confirm the applicable cut-off time.
Guests must check in on time and at the correct meeting point or risk missing the tour and needing to purchase new tickets. Traffic or train delays will not qualify for reimbursement or rebooking.
Please arrive at least 5 minutes early.